FCA Recalls 350,000 Crossovers To Secure Engine Covers

FCA US LLC has recalled nearly 350,000 crossover utility vehicles worldwide after an investigation revealed the engine covers could become dislodged. The engine covers in 2011 to 2015 Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont vehicles with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines could become dislodged in certain conditions and cause a fire risk if they come in contact with exhaust components. “Indicators of a loose engine cover may include noise from the vehicle’s engine compartment, a burning odor and/or a warning light in the instrument cluster,” the automaker said. “Customers who experience these events are advised to contact their dealers.” The company said the condition was discovered after three incidents in Chile, which all occurred after the vehicles had been “extensively driven on unpaved or uneven surfaces.” An FCA representative said that the company knew of only one minor injury in Mexico related to the engine covers.

More than 144,000 vehicles are being recalled in the U.S., 43,000 in Canada, 46,000 in Mexico and 115,000 in other countries, the automaker said, while an estimated 10 percent of the total recalled vehicles are still in dealer hands. Six-cylinder engines are not affected by the recall. FCA said it will install upgraded engine-cover retainers free of charge.